Education and Religion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Education and Religion - Essay Example As the world continues to reel from the effects brought about by technological change, the religious educational community is now experiencing the challenges associated with the transition to a more learner-personalized, ICT-enabled education. Some questions reflect the search for purpose behind the technology transition: Why do we need to integrate technology into the religiosity? How can technology support learners’ religious-based educational experiences? How can technology support a more productive future in learning about Judaism? In recent years, there has been notable strategic guidance and investment in ICT initiated and sustained by various First World governments. ICT as a term has been featured as a replacement of ‘IT’. ICT represents the computing and communication facilities and features that are used to assist teaching, learning and a wide array of activities in education (Ager 2003). Other definitions of ICT relate to ICT as a capability or â€Å"l iteracy†. Based on the discussion of religious-based education, Information Technology (IT) makes up the knowledge, skills, and understanding necessary to utilize information and communication technologies optimally, securely, and meaningfully across the contexts of learning, work, and daily life. Similarly, ICT is referred to as"literacy" by the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and is defined as: "the interest, attitude, and ability of students to appropriately use digital technology and communication tools to access, manage, integrate and evaluate information, construct new knowledge, and communicate with others in order to participate effectively in society". Thus, the integration of ICT into RE only underlines the necessity for acquiring new skills for a new age. In 2004, the first non-statutory nationwide support for teaching REwas started. This has been launched mutually by the QCA, the DCSF, key UK religious groups and RE experts, this framework: "supports the entitlement to RE for all students, regardless of race and civilization; specified national expectations for teaching and learning in RE; and provides guidance for teachers (QCA 2004). What exactly are the activities and outcomes related to quality teaching of Religious Education What about quality learning in learning Judaism Such an inquiry draws even more questions - and not surprisingly, produces multiple perspectives as to what should be deemed as "acceptable" quality of teaching-learning. The impact of ICT on religious students at all the key stages has been highly commendable. It has given them access to a new world of information and knowledge, and guided information as to which is available through their teachers. Annually, research is undertaken to demonstrate enhancement in students' comprehension, skills, and knowledge in ICT use. Religious education contributes to students' social development by giving them an opportunity to reflect on the importance, for believers and others, of a sense of community and belonging. Students have an opportunity to consider how beliefs and values underpin societies and how and why believers and others try to make the world a better place for all. Pupils gain awareness of religious and cultural diversity within society and in other parts of the world (Best 1996). They have an opportunity to consider issues, such as justice, prejudice and extremism, that impact on societies. Establishing Criteria for Quality Teaching and Learning There has been a premium attached to ICT training of all practicing teachers in first world countries. It is encouraging to note that there has been a tremendous growth in the books, online materials, and handbooks for sharing and exchanging ideas, curriculum materials and case studies (Potter 2005). As an outcome, ICT has been gaining steady popularity among teachers/learners specifically for drafting and implementing lesson plans out of the classrooms. RE forums and chat rooms are one of the best ways to share ideas with fellow RE teachers and pick up tips, as are lists of favorite or popular